Paddle floatation assembly

ABSTRACT

An improved paddle assembly is provided for use in operating a small watercraft. A paddle is comprised of a shaft and at least one blade attached to one end of the shaft. A floatation device has a hole therethrough to slidably engage the shaft of the paddle. During normal operation of the watercraft, the floatation device is positioned and stored adjacent the hands of the operator of the watercraft so as not to impede normal paddling of the watercraft; when the watercraft capsizes, the floatation device is slid along the shaft of the paddle to a position adjacent the blade to facilitate the return of the watercraft to the upright position by the performance of an Eskimo roll by the operator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus and method of returning a capsized small watercraft such as a one or two-person kayak or a closed canoe to its original or upright position in a lake, ocean or river without exiting the kayak or canoe.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Whitewater, ocean and lake kayaking and canoeing are enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, and are among the fastest growing outdoor activities in the US and Canada. Regardless of the skill level of the kayaker, and regardless of the stability of the watercraft as described by the manufacturer, the possibility of capsizing, or overturning, is ever-present.

Throughout this specification, the use of the term “kayaker” is meant to include individuals who operate small watercraft, such as 1-person or 2-person kayaks, or 1-person or 2-person closed canoes.

In whitewater kayaking and closed canoeing, there is an inherent risk and high probability of capsizing. For this reason, whitewater kayaking training always includes instruction in performing an Eskimo Roll, a maneuver that enables the kayaker to right his or her boat without having to exit the boat. When performing an Eskimo roll from a capsized position, the kayaker positions the paddle blade on the surface of the water, perpendicular to the craft, and, using specific hip and other body movements, leverages the craft back into an upright position. This is a complicated maneuver that generally takes a long time and much practice to master because it requires precise and correct positioning of the angle of the paddle blade relative to the water's surface in order to right the watercraft while the kayaker is still seated therein and in the capsized (i.e., underwater) position.

In ocean and lake kayaking, the likelihood of capsizing, while not as great as that of whitewater kayaking, is still present. Because of this reduced likelihood, ocean and lake kayakers are generally not as familiar with rolling techniques as are whitewater kayakers, and most lack training in or experience with capsizing situations. Furthermore, the ocean kayaker who becomes dislodged from his boat may be in even greater peril than the whitewater kayaker is, since it is extremely difficult to right and re-enter an ocean kayak in open water. The inability of an ocean kayaker to re-enter his boat could lead to hypothermia and drowning. Furthermore, even if the craft is turned upright and re-entered, there is a strong likelihood that the craft will be full of water, causing it to be unstable, and increasing the possibility of re-capsizing.

In order to reduce the skill required to enable a kayaker to right a capsized kayak without exiting the vessel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,248 discloses storing an inflatable floatation device on the deck of the watercraft. Upon the capsizing of the kayak, the kayaker must locate the floatation device and release it from its stored position on the deck by grasping and pulling a handle attached to the floatation device. Once released, compressed gas cartridges would then be activated, and the floatation device would hopefully automatically inflate. The kayaker would then lean on the handle attached to the floatation device to right the kayak without exiting it, while somehow trying to maintain control of the paddle. This series of maneuvers clearly would add to the danger presented to the kayaker in a capsized kayak, particularly if the kayaker cannot easily locate and release the floatation device from its secured position using one arm, while seated upside-down and underwater, and trying to hold on to the paddle with the other arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,600 describes a floatation device that is open at both ends and is intended to fit over the blade of a kayak paddle, and once in place over the paddle, the kayaker is supposed to inflate the device by opening the valve with his teeth. Again, the floatation device must be secured to and stored on the deck of the kayak when not needed, and removed after the kayak has capsized. The floatation sleeve is actually placed over the paddle blade while the kayaker is in the water and separated from the kayak. The kayaker must then re-enter the capsized kayak and, utilizing the buoyancy of the floatation device on the paddle blade, return the kayak to its upright position by executing a traditional Eskimo roll. Alternatively, the kayaker can gain re-entry to an uprighted kayak by deploying the paddle with the floatation device attached to its blade at a 90-degree angle to the kayak, using it as a stabilizing outrigger while climbing back into the kayak.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to improve the righting of a capsized small watercraft such as 1-person or 2-person kayaks, or 1-person or 2-person closed canoes.

It is another object of the invention to use an improved paddle assembly to stabilize a small watercraft in turbulent sea conditions so as to prevent the capsizing of the watercraft.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved paddle assembly for use in operating a small watercraft such as a kayak or canoe. The paddle assembly has a shaft and a blade attached to one or both ends of the shaft. A floatation device is slidably attached to the shaft.

According to another aspect of the invention, the floatation device is positioned on the shaft adjacent the hands of a kayaker during normal operation of the watercraft. Upon capsizing, the floatation device is repositioned adjacent one blade to facilitate the return of the watercraft to its upright position.

According to a further aspect of the invention, an additional floatation device is slidably attached to the shaft, such that each floatation device is positioned adjacent a respective paddle blade to stabilize the operation of the kayak in turbulent small watercraft operating conditions.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a floatation device having a hole through which the shaft of a paddle used to operate a small watercraft is able to slide.

According to still another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising a small watercraft paddle having a shaft and at least one blade attached to one end thereof, and at least one floatation device slidably mounted on the shaft. When not in use, the floatation device is stored away from the blade. Should the watercraft capsize, the apparatus is operated by sliding the floatation device adjacent to the blade and performing an Eskimo roll to return the watercraft to an upright position. The performance of this maneuver is enhanced by the position of the one floatation device on the shaft adjacent the blade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a round cylindrical floatation device with a lengthwise slit through half of its diameter.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a round cylindrical floatation device comprising two or more sections with a lengthwise slit through half of its diameter.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a unitary round cylindrical floatation device.

FIG. 2A is an elevation view of a one-piece kayak paddle having the floatation device shown in FIG. 1A inserted thereon.

FIG. 2B is an elevation view of a one-piece canoe paddle having the floatation device shown in FIG. 1A inserted thereon.

FIG. 2C is an elevation view of the floatation device shown in FIG. 1C assembled onto a two-piece kayak paddle.

FIG. 2D is an elevation view of the floatation device shown in FIG. 1B cut widthwise into two equal halves and assembled onto the shaft and the adjacent two ends of a kayak paddle.

FIG. 2E is an elevation view of the floatation device attached to a shaft of a kayak paddle by straps.

FIG. 3 shows the execution of an Eskimo roll using the improved paddle floatation assembly in accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C there are shown several examples of round cylindrical floatation devices 10 that can be used in the improved paddle assembly in accordance with the invention. These floatation devices 10 shown in FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C have a hole 12 therethrough to enable these devices to slidably engage the shaft 14 of the paddle assemblies 22 shown in FIG. 2A through FIG. 2D. Floatation device 10 can also have a lengthwise slit 16 extending from an outer surface 18 to an inner wall 20 formed by hole 12 as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B to enable it to be stretched apart and mounted onto shaft 14. As shown in FIG. 1B, floatation device 10 can be split into two sections, 10A and 10B, respectively, wherein each section can be mounted onto shaft 14 of the paddle assembly 22 as shown in FIG. 2D.

Floatation device 10 can be made of any number of lightweight, water resistant, resilient, buoyant materials including, but not limited to foam, Styrofoam, plastic, nylon, rubber or canvas. It can be solid, hollow or even inflatable. It can be made in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, round, cylindrical, oblong, square or rectangular. It can be made in one piece or in several pieces which can be attached to each other. Regardless of the material, shape or construction, floatation device 10 will have the ability to be slidably attached to shaft 14 of the paddle assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 2A through FIG. 2E, there are shown various forms of paddle assemblies 22 in accordance with the invention. FIG. 2A shows a paddle assembly 22 that is comprised of a kayak paddle 23 having shaft 14 attached to blades 24A and 24B, and floatation device 10 (shown in FIG. 1A) slidably attached to shaft 14. The floatation device 10 can be slid from the midpoint of shaft 14 to a position adjacent either blade 24A or blade 24B.

FIG. 2B discloses a paddle assembly 22 in the form of a canoe paddle 25 that has a blade 26 attached to one end of shaft 14, and a handle 28 attached to the other end of shaft 14, while floatation device 10 (shown in FIG. 1A) is again attached to shaft 14. In this instance, the floatation device 10 is moveable between a position adjacent blade 26 and handle 28.

In FIG. 2C, the kayak paddle assembly 22 has two shaft sections, 30A and 30B, which are each attached at one end thereof to respective blades 32A and 32B, while the other ends of the shaft sections are fixed to each other using a standard mechanical coupling device 36. By way of example, device 36 can have tapped threaded holes for engaging and receiving the respective threaded open ends of shaft sections 30A and 30B. Prior to fixing the other end of shaft section 30A to mechanical coupling device 36, a floatation device of the type shown in FIG. 1C can be slid onto open end 38 of shaft section 30A. In this instance, floatation device 10 is slidable from a position adjacent blade 32A to a position adjacent coupling device 36.

In FIG. 2D, floatation sections 10A and 10B are mounted onto shaft 14 of kayak paddle assembly 22, wherein blades 40A and 40B are attached to opposite ends of shaft 14. During normal small watercraft operating conditions, floatation sections 10A and 10B can be slidably positioned on shaft 14 adjacent the middle of the shaft and the hands of the kayak's operator. As the waves in open sea or current in the river become increasingly turbulent and threaten to capsize the small watercraft, the operator can slide flotation sections 10A and 10B to a position adjacent respective blades 40A and 40B, wherein the paddle assembly forms an outrigger configuration to stabilize the kayak in an attempt to lessen the chances of having the kayak capsize. In the event that the kayak still capsizes, the floatation sections will immediately be in a position adjacent the blades of the paddle, and the kayak operator would slide floatation section 10B toward the middle of shaft 14 and begin to execute the Eskimo roll to attempt to bring the kayak to the upright position.

If floatation device 10 does not have a hole therethrough for slidably engaging shaft 14, then, as shown in FIG. 2E, floatation device 10 can be slidably attached to shaft 14 using straps 42, so as to be movable by the operator toward either blade 44A or 44B.

In the paddle assemblies shown in FIG. 2A through FIG. 2E, the floatation device 10 or sections are slid by the operator toward the middle of the shaft and adjacent his or her hands so as to not impede normal paddling of the kayak, and either in anticipation or the actual capsizing of the kayak, the operator slides the floatation device 10 or one section thereof to a position adjacent one blade of the paddle assembly to facilitate the performance of the Eskimo roll by the operator so as to return the kayak to the upright position. The floatation device 10 or sections remain wherever they are moved by the operator by the force of friction created by the interface between the shaft of the paddle assembly 22 and the inner wall or surface of the floatation device 10 or sections. Of course, this force of friction can be easily overcome by the operator so as to enable the operator to slide the floatation device 10 or sections thereof along the shaft of the paddle assembly 22 as needed.

Referring to FIG. 3, the sequence of the Eskimo roll is demonstrated in accordance with the present invention. Position 1 shows an operator 46 in a kayak 48 initiating an Eskimo roll or the kayak beginning to involuntarily capsize. The operator leans forward and to the right. The left hand should slide the floatation device 10 to a position adjacent the left blade of the paddle assembly 22. The paddle assembly 22 should be parallel to the surface of the water. The left blade should be tilted so that its edge furthest from the operator is closer to the water than the opposite edge of the blade. The left hand of the operator should be positioned on the shaft of the paddle assembly 22 slightly ahead of his or her body, while the right hand should be positioned on the shaft of the paddle assembly 22 slightly behind the operator's body. This is the set-up position for the Eskimo roll.

In Position 2, as the kayak is capsizing, the operator should continue to maintain the set-up position that was established in Position 1. Before the operator's head dips below the surface of the water 50, the operator should take a deep breath of air and hold it. In Position 3, the kayak is completely upside down. At this time the operator should twist his or her waist and hip to the right.

In Position 4, the operator has begun a continuous smooth sweep of the paddle assembly 22 wherein the left blade is initially positioned at an upward climbing angle until the paddle is substantially above the surface of the water and is being rotated counterclockwise. By way of example, if the paddle assembly 22 is using two floatation sections as depicted in Position 4, the left floatation section is positioned adjacent the left blade of the paddle while the other floatation section is positioned between the hands of the operator.

In Position 5, the operator makes a strong move to snap his or her hip to the left while continuing to sweep the paddle assembly 22 counterclockwise so as to press the left blade and adjacent floatation device 10 downward and into the water. These simultaneous moves will start to move the kayak toward the upright position. Position 6 shows the kayak moving toward the upright position as both the hip snap and rotational sweep of the paddle assembly 22 continue. In Position 7, one last downward counterclockwise thrust on the left blade and adjacent floatation device 10 will ensure a successful completion of the Eskimo roll and return of the kayak to the upright position.

The use of the floatation device on the paddle assembly 22 renders the placement and angle of the blade to the surface of the water far less critical than it would be without it, and makes the successful completion of the Eskimo roll much more attainable. This will result in an increase in the safety of operating a kayak in turbulent conditions in both open ocean and fast-moving rivers, and thus encourage growth of the sport.

The described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not intended to represent every embodiment of the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims, both literally and in equivalents recognized in law. 

1. An improved paddle assembly for use in operating a small watercraft comprising: a paddle further comprising at least one blade and a shaft having one end thereof attached to said one blade; and at least one floatation device slidably attached to said shaft.
 2. An improved paddle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the small watercraft is a kayak, and said paddle includes a second blade attached to another end of said shaft.
 3. An improved paddle assembly according to claim 2, wherein during normal operation of the kayak, said one floatation device is positioned on said shaft adjacent the hands of an operator of the kayak so as not to impede normal paddling of the kayak, and upon capsizing of the kayak, said one floatation device is positioned adjacent said one blade to facilitate the performance of an Eskimo roll by the operator, which enables the return of the kayak to the upright position.
 4. An improved paddle assembly according to claim 2, wherein another floatation device is slidably attached to said shaft.
 5. An improved paddle assembly according to claim 4, wherein said one and said other floatation devices are positioned adjacent the middle of the shaft during normal small watercraft operating conditions, and said one and said other floatation devices being positioned adjacent said one and said second blades respectively to stabilize the operation of the kayak in turbulent small watercraft operating conditions.
 6. An improved paddle assembly according to claim 1, wherein said one floatation device has a hole therethrough to slidably engage said shaft.
 7. An improved paddle assembly according to claim 6, wherein said one floatation device has an outer surface, and said hole is bounded by an inner wall.
 8. An improved paddle assembly according to claim 7, wherein said one floatation device further includes a lengthwise slit extending from the outer surface to the inner wall thereof to enable said one floatation device to be stretched apart and mounted onto said shaft.
 9. A floatation device having a hole therethrough to slidably engage a shaft of a paddle used to operate a small watercraft.
 10. A floatation device according to claim 9, further having an outer surface and an inner wall bounding the hole.
 11. A floatation device according to claim 10, further including a lengthwise slit extending from the outer surface to the inner wall to enable said floatation device to be stretched apart and mounted onto the shaft.
 12. A method of operating an apparatus comprising a small watercraft, a paddle having at least one blade and a shaft having one end thereof attached to said one blade, and at least one floatation device slidably mounted to said shaft, the method comprising the steps of: a) sliding said one floatation device on said shaft away from said one blade to store said floatation device on said shaft during normal operation of said small watercraft; b) sliding said one floatation device on said shaft to a position adjacent said one blade in the event that said watercraft capsizes; and c) performing an Eskimo roll to return said small watercraft to an upright position, the performance of which is enhanced by the position of said one floatation device on said shaft and adjacent said one blade.
 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said small watercraft is a kayak, and said paddle has another blade attached to an opposite end of said shaft.
 14. A method according to claim 13 wherein an additional floatation device is mounted on said shaft, and further comprising the steps of: a) sliding both said one and said other floatation devices toward the center of the shaft and adjacent the hands of an operator of the kayak to store said one and said other floatation devices during normal operation of the kayak; and b) sliding both said one and said other floatation devices on said shaft toward said one and said other blades respectively to form an outrigger configuration to stabilize the operation of said kayak in turbulent small watercraft operating conditions.
 15. A method according to claim 12, wherein said one floatation device having an outer surface, an inner wall bounding a hole therethrough to slidably engage said shaft, and a lengthwise slit extending from the outer surface to the inner wall further comprising the step of: stretching the slit apart to enable said floatation device to be mounted onto said shaft. 